Epidermal in vivo and in vitro studies by attenuated total reflection mid-infrared spectroscopy using flexible silver halide fibre-probes

Dermatology studies focussing on the stratum corneum were carried out by infrared attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy using flexible fibre-optic probes made from square cross-section polycrystalline silver halide material. We compared the upper horny layer of human and bovine udder skin (BUS). As a substitute for human in vivo tests, the in vitro model of the isolated perfused bovine udder skin (BUS-model) has been used. For depth profiling of endogenous and topically applied compounds, subsequent stripping of corneocyte layers by adhesive tape application was carried out in combination with in situ fibre-probe ATR-measurements. The non-invasive measurement technique was also applied to patients with various skin abnormalities. Owing to the remote sensing capability, the technique presented is promising, since it opens the field for new medical and cosmetic applications, which are otherwise not possible with conventional sampling compartment based ATR-accessories.